Described herein are methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of the cytoskeletal system. The methods are rapid, convenient and sensitive. Preferably, the method is used to identify lead compounds that can be used as therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural agents. Generally, test compounds are added to two cytoskeletal components which bind to one another, to determine whether the binding is affected by the test compound. Wherein the binding is affected, a compound which modulates the cytoskeletal system is identified.